The Puzzle Of Jiley

Making Up

Riley's POV

Being almost back together with James was a weird feeling. It felt like I've gone through it before and it was all just déjà vu. On Wednesday I met him in the culture shock. He was talking to an unfamiliar girl. I hid behind a bookshelf being the nosy brat I was, and tried to hear what they were saying.
"Oh thank you. Thanks so much." He said. The girl was very pretty. Like model pretty. Gorgeous. James happened to glance over but just missed me. I crawled to the other side of the bookshelf. I heard her talking. A high pitched voice, it wasn't annoying though, everything was perfect about her.
"No problem, James." She went in for a hand shake but he hugged her. A put-your-arms-around-her hug. He smiled at her and said something quietly. She said something back and smiled. Then she walked right out of the culture shock. I pretended to be looking at the books. James walked over not even 20 seconds after she left him.
"Riley!" He said going in for a hug. I pretended I didn't see him going in for a hug and picked up a book instead.
"Hi," I said reading the back of the book, even though I wasn't actually reading.
"How long were you here? I didn't see you," he asked. Of course he asked that. Who wouldn't. Damn right he was scared I saw him. He did that blushing, nervous smile, he does before he says something sweet to me, or after someone gives him a compliment.
"I was here for awhile...just looking at books you know," I said looking around the Culture Shock looking like I was expecting something or someone.
"Like how lo-" he stopped because I interrupted.
"Why does it matter how long I was here for?" I quickly asked putting the book down and crossing my arms.
"Just wondering," he said sounding offended.
"I didn't see you there before I got my juice, that's why." He added lifting the juice in his hand. It was clear he was nervous. And hiding something.
"Who is she?" I quietly said after a few seconds of silence.
He sighed and looked right at me, forcing me to look up.
"Nothing." He kind of whispered. I kind of whimpered out loud which was an accident but it made him widen his eyes a little.
"I saw," I said looking away. It was the truth. I wasn't going to lie.
"Didn't see you," he said. (again)
"Who-" I started but of course he said something.
"Nobody Riley. Believe me. She means absolutely nothing." He deepened his voice. I turned and walked away. I felt reddish and embarrassed for some reason. It was probably my anger kicking in.

The next day I was on my phone sitting on the benches in front of the cubbies.

James POV

I saw Riley sitting in front of her cubby and I quietly came up behind her. I hugged her from behind, but she almost jumped out of her skin she was so scared. I just kept hugging her. She finally pulled away.
"James," she said turning off her phone.
"I'm happy to see you," she said with a half smile.
"Yeah." I agreed.
We just kind of stared at each other. I was kneeling behind the bench and she was sitting facing me. I pecked her a kiss.
"But..." She whispered after I pulled away.
"It's okay. I love you." I said and smiled. And then I walked away.